After years and years of cold winter weather we're trying something new......Texas!
I was a little concerned about heading into such an urban area when we have been pretty diligently self isolating since March (and spending all our time in nature and small towns), but after doing some research about the weather, numerous state parks and green spaces around the area we decided to check it out. We also have a son (and his adorable dog Luna) and nephew that have moved here recently and looked forward to spending some time with them. It was fun to experience Fall colors all over again since they arrive later here.
Had a super cool experience with this Eastern Phoebe. Was sitting in the mud taking pictures and it kept fluttering around me. Then it flew over and landed on my camera lens and just sat there looking at me! Then it flew off and came back and sat on my shoulder. I felt like a bird whisperer. :)
October and the first part of November were still a little warm/humid for me.....but Jordan loved it (hearkening back to his Arizona roots).
Why is an Egyptian Goose in Texas? This native African bird was originally brought in as a popular ornamental/decorative bird (perhaps for aviaries/ponds) and some of them escaped and proliferated. There's some controversy about them here since they're a non-native species...but I'm steering clear of that. I was amazed at how gorgeous they are on my day at Emma Long Park and had so much fun capturing images of them.
Gallery of Pics
Our Favorite Take-Out/Patio Dining Places
Haru Ramen - scrumptious bowl of goodness
Sugar Pine - onigiri (rice balls)
New Sitara - yummy Indian
Tacos - amazing variety all over the city
Korea House Restaurant - Korean BBQ with a parklike outside view from tables
The place we rented has a wonderful back deck/yard and backs up to a fantastic trail system in Wells Branch. We have been out walking everyday since being here and love it. Having never lived anywhere sub-tropical before we're really noticing the various plants/wildlife that are new to us. Our bird feeder is getting lots of visitors and there are so many cool ducks coming in for the winter season.
Gallery of Pics
Sharing some of the pictures Brian, our son, has taken with his cool vintage camera during the times we get to hang out together.
Our Favorite Things:
Brushy Creek Lake Park - Wonderful lake for kayaking, trails to walk and bike as well a s mountain bike trails.
Mill Pond - We walk to this park pretty much every day and love it every time.
Garner State Park - Rented an RV to check out both RV and this park and had a great time kayaking, hiking and soaking up the Fall colors.
Enchanted Rock State Park - Spent a few hours hiking around these cool rock formations and sweating!
McKinney Falls State Park - Cool park with great water holes to get in and cool off.
Emma Long Park - Spent a few hours sitting by the river and watching boaters go by as as the incredible Egyptian Geese!
Walnut Creek Park - Great mountain biking trails that we keep coming back to.
Lady Bird Lake - They call it a lake but it resembles a river.....ha. Fun to walk/bike.
The squirrels - They are everywhere and adorable although eating way too much of my birdseed.
Gallery of Pics
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